Today I want to whine .. about gift cards and give you 1 more reason why I want you to re-think them as gifts this holiday season.
As you probably know, I've already complained (a lot) about companies like Simon Property Malls, which (according to me and the Attorney General's office) break state laws by, among other things, charging fees. Well, here's the other thing: Bankruptcy.
Case in point: Bombay Company. The company filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and now I am hearing from angry people who can't use their gift cards. And, I am sorry to say, there is nothing they can do. Bankruptcy protects the company, not the consumer left holding the bag (or card, as it were).
And, here's my constant worry this time of year: if a company doesn't have a good season, it will file right after the holidays, and all the people who got gift cards will be stuck with worthless plastic.
I know, people argue gift cards are better than cash because they suggest more thought went into selecting the gift, but, if anyone asks (and I hope they do), I'll take cash.